It looks like Yakuza Kiwami won’t be getting a physical release on the Nintendo Switch

If you were hoping for a physical release for the upcoming Nintendo Switch version of Yakuza Kiwami, then we have bad news.

As noted by Nintendo Everythingthe official Japanese X/Twitter account Developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has posted that the game will be “distributed via download only” (translated from Japanese using X/Twitter’s built-in translation tool). English Developer Account posted shortly after Yakuza Kiwami will be available “on Nintendo eShop,” with no mention of a physical release.

This is an absolute shame for those hoping to add something Yakuza Kiwami to their physical Switch collection. But there’s some good news: the critically acclaimed remake, coming to Nintendo Switch on October 25, will cost around $19.99 / £14.99. If you’re not really into the Yakuza / Like a Dragon Franchise this is an ideal starting point and also a very reasonable price.

Yakuza Kiwami is a remake of the original Yakuza title that was released back in 2005 for the PlayStation 2. The game introduced the world to protagonist Kazuma Kiryu – an officer of the criminal organization Tojo Clan – who in this first episode takes the blame for the murder of his boss. After a decade in prison, Kiryu must adjust to modern life in the city of Kamurocho and save the clan from a dark fate.

While it’s certainly rough around the edges, the very first Yakuza title introduced the world to its gripping and heavily political story, balanced with heart-wrenching humor and a wide range of incredible and memorable characters that continue to feature in the series to this day. It’s a real shame that there won’t be a physical release on the Nintendo Switch, but we highly recommend it regardless. Especially if you can work your way up to modern releases like the brilliant Like a dragon: infinite wealth.

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